The National Health Insurance Authority is aiming to increase national health insurance coverage to between 75 and 80 per cent by the end of the year as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s universal health coverage agenda.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Paramount Chief of the Atebubu Traditional Area, Ohempon Dr Yeboah Asiamah, to the Chief Executive of the NHIA, Victor Asare Bampoe, at the Authority’s headquarters in Accra.

Leading a seven-member delegation to the meeting held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the traditional ruler commended the NHIA for what he described as significant progress in expanding coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme.

He noted that enrolment had increased from about 58 per cent to 66 per cent within a few months and described the development as evidence of strong institutional leadership.

Ohempon Asiamah pledged the full support of the Atebubu Traditional Council for ongoing reforms at the NHIA, which he said were crucial to the government’s drive toward universal health coverage.

He also proposed a partnership between the NHIA and the traditional council to organise community-based outreach programmes aimed at increasing NHIS registration and renewals, particularly among the poor, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.

The chief further suggested that traditional festivals in the area could be used as platforms for health advocacy and enrolment campaigns, noting that such gatherings attract large community participation.

He also called for efforts to strengthen the NHIA office in Atebubu to improve operational efficiency and ensure residents benefit fully from the scheme.

Responding to the proposals, Dr Bampoe attributed the recent progress in the scheme to policy reforms introduced under the government’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda led by John Dramani Mahama, particularly the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Fund to ensure more consistent funding.

While acknowledging the progress made, he emphasised that the ultimate goal remains universal coverage, with a realistic target of between 75 and 80 per cent by the end of the year.

Dr Bampoe also highlighted ongoing challenges facing the scheme, including illegal out-of-pocket charges by some health facilities for services already covered under the NHIS.

He assured that the Authority was taking steps to address such practices and welcomed feedback from stakeholders to strengthen the scheme.

The Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Operations at the NHIA, Senanu Kwesi Djokoto, also expressed the Authority’s readiness to collaborate with the Atebubu Traditional Council to enhance service delivery and improve coverage in the district.